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With an abundance of art shows happening this season, it'll be hard to catch all of the latest installations before they disappear. Nonetheless, we've got a list of the top art exhibitions taking place in some of Tokyo's most popular museums and galleries to help you figure out where to start.
For a full day of art excursions, you should also check out Tokyo's best street art and outdoor sculptures, or fill your Instagram feed at teamLab Borderless or teamLab Planets.
Note that some museums and galleries require making reservations in advance to prevent overcrowding at the venues.Â
RECOMMENDED: Escape the city with the best art day trips from Tokyo
When you're spending time in a city as big as Tokyo, it's never too early to start planning for the week ahead. From art exhibitions and foodie events to seasonal festivities and outdoor happenings, you can pack a lot into seven days in the capital.
Wondering where to start? We've sorted through the many events and venues in Tokyo that are still open and running during this time, plus we're keeping an eye on hottest new openings around the capital. Â
Want to make your weekend an exciting one? We've rounded up the best events, festivals, parties, art exhibitions and must-see spots in Tokyo for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Looking to get out of the city for a bit? Take a day trip to one of these nearby destinations, or head to an outlet mall just outside Tokyo for some great shopping deals. If that wasn't enough, you can also stop by one of Tokyo's regular markets, like the weekly UNU Farmer's Market near Shibuya.Â
While itâs still late summer, the weather is warm enough to enjoy Tokyoâs best ice cream and kakigori, while the next few months bring a lineup of exciting gigs, art and music festivals to look forward to.
Read on to find more great things to do in Tokyo this weekend.
Note: Do check the event and venue websites for the latest updates.
Just because the weather's bad outside doesn't mean you can't enjoy Tokyo. Whether you're interested in touring some of the city's best art exhibitions, sitting down for a cup of coffee, or browsing one of city's best museums, there are lots of things you can do indoors in Tokyo. Our list of incredible indoor activities proves that regardless of the weather outside, you can always have a good time in the city.
RECOMMENDED: The 20 best museums to visit in Tokyo
Not sure what to do this evening? Well, you're in the right place now: Tokyo always has plenty of stuff going on, from festivals and art shows to outdoor activities and more. As we move into autumn, you can also expect to see more exhibitions popping up, as well as music festivals taking place around the region. You'll never feel bored in Tokyo.
RECOMMENDED: 20 best ice cream shops in Tokyo
In Kumamoto, history is never far from view â and not only because the cityâs symbol, towering Kumamoto Castle, can be seen from pretty much anywhere in downtown. The unofficial capital of central Kyushu boasts an eventful past that includes epic battles, samurai legends and struggles with devastating natural disasters, which together have given rise to a distinctive cityscape, culture and culinary scene.
To explore it all, the first move you should make is to buy a 24-hour pass for the cityâs charmingly old-school tram network. Passes can be purchased online for Â¥1,000 as part of a set that includes luggage delivery from Kumamoto Station directly to your hotel.
With your transportation sorted and your belongings safely stowed away, itâs time to discover Kumamotoâs unique mix of heritage and reinvention â by strolling in the footsteps of samurai, feasting on local delicacies and tasting tipples both novel and traditional.
Note: Kumamoto City is still recovering from the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck the area on July 28 2026. When visiting, please be mindful of the situation on the ground and the impact it may have on local sights and businesses. To find out how to support the earthquake-affected areas, see this article.
Watch out for âflyingâ penguins! Located on top of the Sunshine City complex, this partially open-air oasis opened its remodelled penguin area last year. Take a stroll under a giant water tank and spot penguins overhead with Tokyoâs cityscape as the backdrop â a breathtaking view you wonât find anywhere else. Another new feature is the skywalk, housing pelicans which are especially fun to check out during feeding time.
Other popular spots include the deep blue Jellyfish Tunnel and the Sunshine Lagoon, a huge tank with a wide variety of fish. When it comes to snack time, youâll love the light blue-coloured sea salt soft serve ice cream, made from Okinawaâs âsnow saltâ.
Cookie Time was founded in Christchurch, New Zealand way back in 1983 by two brothers who are passionate about the all-popular treat. Since then, the cookie specialist has been selling cookies across the country and opened its first and only international outpost in the colourful fashion district of Harajuku in Tokyo. This store offers fresh-off-the-oven cookies, with creative and decadent flavours such as salted caramel, triple chocolate, banoffee, lemon white chocolate and more.
Cookie Time is dedicated to serving the best âpairingâ for its cookies, offering fresh milk on tap, as well as creating cookie-inspired desserts including milkshakes, cookie dough, ice cream and sâmores. The OTT Freak Shakes are a crowd-pleaser: these indulgently rich milkshakes are topped with whipped cream, candy bars, caramel sauce or melted chocolate, sprinkles and, of course, a cookie or two.
International sushi chef Jiro Onoda is hosting a series of classes focused on making rainbow sushi. Donât worry, you donât need any cooking experience to join. The classes are open to anyone interested to learn how to make sushi using traditional Edo-style techniques.
The vibrant rolls are inspired by colours of the rainbow, and Onoda only uses all-natural ingredients to create the many-hued assortments. Classes are roughly two hours long: youâll be taught customary slicing techniques before preparing seven different maki rolls and six different nigiri. There will also be a tutorial on how to make the quintessential dashimaki tamago (Japanese-style omlette).
At the end of the lesson, you can enjoy eating what youâve made with the rest of the class. The venue is located accross from the main street of Kappabashi, famous for its traditional kitchenware, so you may be inspired to look for some Japanese cooking utensils for your own kitchen after the lesson. Having worked at restaurants in Shanghai and Vancouver as well as Tokyo, Onoda is fluent in English and Mandarin. As the class will primarily be in English, you wonât have a hard time following along if youâre visiting Tokyo from overseas.Â
Click here to make a reservation. You can pay on the day with either cash or credit.Â
Though it doesn't have its own heartwarming tale like Shibuya's Hachiko, this owl statue inside Ikebukuro Station is still a popular meeting spot. The name, Ikefukuro, is a play on Ikebukuro and fukuro (owl in Japanese).
Located a few minutes from the station, this hotel boasts eight restaurants offering a variety of dining options including kaiseki (traditional Japanese multicourse dinner), teppanyaki and European cuisines. They offer free wi-fi and a direct limousine bus service from Haneda and Narita airports.
If you're on a budget or a diet but love pizza, then stop here for a quick meal. The lunch sets start from ¥650 and include a (large) pizza slice with organic salad and a drink.
If you come out of the west exit of Ebisu Station and stay off the main road, youâll discover a network of backstreets offering an array of restaurants serving different cuisines. It can be a difficult choice if youâre not sure what youâre in the mood for. But should a craving for Thai food hit you, youâre in luck. Gapao Shokudo, which also has branches in Shibuya and Omotesando, beckons from the first floor on one street corner with its bright red signage and colourful window lights. Inside, itâs just as festive, with white-washed tabletops, tropical looking plants dotted around, and friendly staff ready to seat you. We visited on a week night and it was busy enough to feel vibey but we didnât have to queue to get a counter spot. If you prefer a table, you might need to reserve.Â
The menu features a wealth of Thai dishes and you can choose the spice level. For those who prefer no chilli at all, weâd recommend the Gana Massaman Curry Chicken with Coconut Milk (Â¥980, pictured above), ordered with a side of rice. The flavouring was actually on the sweet side (delicious!) and although the portion size looks small, it was packed with filling chicken, potato and veggies and we ended up struggling to finish it. For those who love the burn, go for the Gang Ped Gung Red Curry Prawn with Coconut (Â¥1.080). This is probably not the best Thai food you'll have in Tokyo, but the prices are reasonable, the atmosphere is fun and casual, and it'll still hit the spot.
Looking for a fun way to spend the last weekend of August? Tokyo has plenty of festivals on the calendar, with traditional dancing, live music, colourful parades, food stalls and more taking place across the city between August 28 and 30. If you need some help narrowing down the options, here are five of our top summer festival picks worth checking out.
T-Fujishima/iStockKoenji Awa Odori
Koenji Awa Odori
August 29-30
One of the most popular street dance festivals in Tokyo, Koenji's Awa Odori is returning in full swing. This year, the celebration will feature over 150 Awa Odori dance groups parading around Koenji Stationâs Pal shopping arcade, Koenji Junjo Shotengai shopping street and Konan Street.Â
The tradition of Awa Odori can be traced back to Tokushima, in the Shikoku region. Legend has it that the local daimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in the streets. Whatever the accuracy of that tale, the enthusiasm was contagious, and Koenji has been holding a street dance fest of its own since 1957.Â
While the action starts at 5pm on both days, you'll need to arrive much earlier if you want to snag one of the best viewing spots along the three streets mentioned above.
Harajuku-Omotesando Super YosakoiHarajuku-Omotesando Super Yosakoi
Super Yosakoi
August 29-30
Late August is always a good time for dancing in the streets, with many major festivals happening around this time of y
Although we are already more than halfway through August, Tokyoâs summer festival season is still going strong, with plenty of lively celebrations taking place across the city. If you happen to be in Tokyo this weekend, youâre in luck, as itâs shaping up to be an exciting one, with everything from traditional Bon Odori and Awa Odori dance festivals to Latin music and dancing. Here are five festivals to check out from Friday August 21 to Sunday August 23.Â
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Roppongi Hills Bon Odori
August 21-23
One of the largest in all of Tokyo, this lively Roppongi Hills festival features traditional Bon Odori dance by yukata-clad performers in the shopping centreâs central event arena.Â
Traditional Japanese lanterns add to the festive atmosphere while the surrounding food stalls cater to hungry crowds. You can expect a varied gourmet selection prepared by popular restaurants in the area, including Roppongi Barbacoa, Shinanoya, Rigoletto Bar and Grill, Grand Hyatt Tokyo, Gelateria Raffinato and more. There will also be plenty of activities like yo-yo fishing, ring tossing and a face mask stall for children and adults to enjoy.Â
While there's no Bon Odori dancing on Friday, youâll get to watch a modern interpretation of Gigaku (masked drama performance) and Dengaku (traditional Japanese dance) instead. The show is put on by Roppongi Raku, the venueâs performing arts group that consists of about 150 people, starting at 7pm.Â
Bon Odori dancing takes place on Saturday
Itâs hard to believe August is almost here. The first weekend of the month is shaping up to be an exciting one in Tokyo, with numerous fireworks festivals and other summer festivities happening across the capital. If youâve got time to squeeze in even more fun, there are also a number of traditional Bon Odori festivals taking place, with some celebrations starting earlier in the week. These lively summer gatherings are the perfect opportunity to join in the dancing, practice the traditional Bon Odori moves, and dress up in a yukata for the full festival experience.
Photo: Tsukiji HongwanjiTsukiji Hongwanji Bon Odori
Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple Noryo Bon Odori Festival
July 29-August 1
Summer in Tokyo is defined by festivals, and one of the most spectacular is Bon Odori, a traditional dance celebration held in neighbourhoods across the city. Originally a way to honour the spirits of the dead, Bon Odori has evolved into a lively, family-friendly event.Â
The celebration at Tsukiji Hongwanji from July 29 to August 1 is one of Tokyoâs most popular Bon Odori festivals. Don a yukata and join the crowds dancing around the yagura stage from 7pm to 9pm (6pm to 8.30pm on Saturday).Â
Not to worry if you donât know the steps â just mimic the dance moves of the locals next to you. The festival is also famous for its delectable food selection from nearby Tsukiji Market, so go early and dance up an appetite for a feast.Â
Photo: Nakano Bon Odori Festivalãäžéé§ å倧çèžã倧äŒã
Nakano Bon Odori Festival
Tokyoâs summer festival season is in full swing, and this week â especially this weekend â brings some of the biggest fireworks displays of the year. From a spectacular show along the banks of the Edo River to dazzling festivals in nearby Enoshima and Ome, there are plenty of opportunities to see the night sky light up. So dust off your yukata, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot â even if you donât have a paid seat, you can still catch the fireworks from nearby vantage points â and enjoy an evening of colourful displays, festival food and summer celebrations.
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Katsushika Noryo Fireworks Festival
July 28
Held every year for more than half a century along the Edogawa River, Katsushika's popular fireworks festival, taking place on July 28, is known for the unusually short distance between the launch site and the spectator area. This allows visitors to watch, hear and feel the impact of the around 20,000 fireworks up close.
It also features the spectacular 'Niagara Falls' and 'Digital Star Mine' crackers, both supposedly representing the latest in firework technology. On your way to the river, take a stroll along the picturesque street leading from Taishakuten Temple for a glimpse of what summer in Edo â the former name of Tokyo â might have felt like.
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Edogawa Fireworks Festival
August 1
The Edogawa Fireworks Festival has been lighting up Tokyoâs eastern skies for more than five decades, making it one of the cityâs most established firework
With the recent heat, it finally feels like summer is officially here to stay. And with the city packed with festivals and fireworks, thereâs plenty to look forward to throughout the warmer months. This coming long weekend includes Sea Day, making it the perfect excuse to head to one of the many beaches near Tokyo â or stay in the city and experience one of its lively traditional festivals. From joyous Bon Odori dances to atmospheric lantern light-ups, here are the festivals you shouldnât miss.
Photo: Shota NagaoSendagaya Bon Odori Festival
Sendagaya Bon Odori Festival
July 17-18
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine is celebrating a Bon Odori festival on the evenings of July 17 and 18. You can expect food stalls set up by local businesses, as well as games and activities for children. Plus, of course, the requisite communal dancing.Â
Come at 4pm to learn the choreography, and you can join in one of the Bon Odori dances happening at 5.30pm, 7pm or 7.50pm (5.30pm, 6.45pm and 8pm on Saturday).Â
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Daibon
July 18
Get ready to get your groove on at Daibon on Saturday July 18, a modern rendition of the traditional Bon Odori festival held at Hachiman Shrine in Yamatocho. Here, the festivities include a line-up of DJs and contemporary artists, merging the timeless customs with the energetic pulse of new-wave beats.Â
Watch as the festival comes alive with live DJ sets, which have in the past featured eclectic talents like Chinbantei Goraku Shisho and the invigorating perf
With hydrangeas already blooming across Tokyo and Pride Month underway, the city is bursting with things to see and do. June brings a jam-packed calendar of festivals, celebrations and community events, among them three traditional festivals that will take over the city streets with lively parades, ornate mikoshi (portable shrines) and plenty of local culture on display. Better yet, two of these festivals are taking place in their grandest form this year, making for a particularly rare and spectacular experience.
And this is just the beginning of the seasonâs festivities â many more summer festivals are still to come in July and August.
Here are the June festivals you should mark on your calendar:Â
åçæäŸïŒå°æ±åºãé³¥è¶ç¥ããé³¥è¶ç¥ç€ŸTorigoe Matsuri
Torigoe Matsuri
See a huge four-tonne portable shrine being shuttled through the streets near Torigoe Shrine in Asakusabashi at this traditional festival known for the intense fights that invariably break out over who gets to carry the monster mikoshi.Â
The main event is on Sunday June 7 from 6.50am to 9pm, when the mikoshi is carried through the streets. If you want to catch the best of the action in the glow of beautifully lit lanterns, be there at around 8.30pm to see the mikoshi make its way back to the shrine.Â
Meanwhile on Saturday June 6, local neighbourhood associations parade their own, much smaller portable shrines around the area. Also donât miss the food stalls that are set up along the streets during the festival.Â
Photo: Chiyoda Ci